efficacy of clozapine for long-stay patients

Aim:
Supporting patients upon discharge following prolonged hospitalization in
private psychiatric hospitals in Japan has long been an issue. This study
evaluated the efficacy of clozapine in treating long-stay patients with treatment-resistant
schizophrenia to reduce the frequency and duration of readmissions post
discharge.

Methods:
We retrospectively examined the length and frequency of hospitalizations of
long-stay and non-long-stay patients with schizophrenia who were introduced to
clozapine at our hospital.

Results:
Comparing participants’ medical records two years before and after the
introduction of clozapine, we identified a significant decrease in both length
and frequency of hospitalizations in all patients who were introduced to
clozapine. In long-stay patients, the length of hospitalization and the
frequency of hospitalization were significantly reduced. However, compared to
non-long-stay patients, the period from introduction of clozapine to discharge
was longer and the dose of clozapine was higher. Thus, it is necessary to take
time to evaluate the therapeutic effects for long-stay patients.

Conclusion:
These results showed that clozapine is helpful for patients with
treatment-resistant schizophrenia, who are considered difficult to treat and
discharge in Japan.